Titus 2

But say the things which fit sound doctrine,

that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance,

and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,

that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,

to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.

Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded.

In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,

and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.

Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting,

not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;

looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter instructs Titus on how sound doctrine shapes the life of every member of the Christian community, organizing ethical exhortations according to age, gender, and social status, while grounding all godly living in the gospel of Christ’s redemptive work and future appearing.

Flow.

Begins with the call to align teaching and behavior with sound doctrine, then provides specific moral and relational duties for older men, older women, and young wives.
Extends the exhortation to younger men and Titus himself, emphasizing personal integrity and authoritative teaching.
Addresses servants, urging respectful and faithful conduct as a witness to the truth of the gospel.
Anchors the entire ethical vision in the gospel: God’s grace trains believers to renounce sin, live righteously, and await Christ’s return, who died to purify a people zealous for good works.

Connections.
Following chapter 1, which established the need for sound teaching and qualified elders to counter false doctrine, this chapter shows what sound doctrine produces in practice—ordered Christian living in every relationship. The vision of a community marked by self-control, reverence, and good works flows directly from the apostolic deposit guarded by elders. This prepares for chapter 3, which further applies gospel-formed conduct in the public sphere, particularly toward governing authorities and unbelievers, by rooting good works in divine mercy rather than human merit.

What it teaches.
True godliness arises not from arbitrary rules but from the gospel’s transformative power: God’s grace trains believers to reject ungodliness and live righteously in this present age (WCF 18.1), while their hope is fixed on the glorious return of Christ, our great God and Savior (WCF 8.5; HC LD 19). Christ’s atoning death purifies a people for himself (WCF 7.3; CD I.20), not by works, but unto good works that adorn divine teaching (WCF 16.2; BC Article 24). The moral instruction given to each group—older and younger, male and female, free and enslaved—is not cultural accommodation but a witness that upholds the credibility of the gospel (HC LD 32), ensuring that doctrine is not blasphemed (WCF 8.5). The minister of the church must speak and live in such a way that truth is both proclaimed and embodied.

Apply.
Live with a self-controlled, upright, and godly character that visibly reflects the grace already given and the glory soon to be revealed.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.